Marcello Marcello

A story reminding the old fairy tales , with provocative challenges to conquest the heart of loved one. Pieces of Italian sweet comedies, beautiful acting of young Francesco Mistichelli, few drops of tension, splendid portrait of small comunity and vulnerabilities of its members, romance and religion and domination of past shadows, music and wedding dresses, a painting and a gun, two bottles and loyal friends, a bar and the rival , astma and the sea.

All poetic , sweet and charming at whole, between Tornatore and Benigni.

This film screened at The Palm Springs Film Fest to a very warm audience. Other comments here have already given a good synopsis of the original plot line, so I'll go on to add some additional thoughts about it. The cinematography is beautiful, the directing is fast paced, and all the actors, some very well known in Italy, were top notch. Anne Walser, producer, represented the film at the screening. She commented on the fact that the young lead actor, Frencesco Mistichelli, was chosen out of a large field. He is a find!! In summary, this is a well produced, technically excellent, very enjoyable movie, which should find a large audience if it gets distribution in the U.S. and elsewhere.

I saw this last month at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival and of the 36 films I saw there this is my number one favorite. This is a delightful romantic comedy, light on the romance although it's what drives the story and heavy on the comedy which is plentiful and cleverly paced and delivered. The cast is outstanding and large with many memorable characters. The film is set in 1956 on the Italian island town of Amatrello. Marcello (Francisco Mistichelli) is the son of the poor fisherman (Antonio Pennarella) Mariano who has raised Marcello on his own after his wife walked out on him. Marchello is to graduate from school with honors and has a chance to take an exam to get into a university with a scholarship and off the island. Elena (Elena Cucci) is the daughter of the town mayor Del Ponte (Mariano Rigillo), the island villages most important man. Elena left the village as a child but is now 18 and has returned. The island custom is a strange but long-lived one in which when a girl comes of age at 18 she is eligible for her first date and traditionally the first date becomes the boy she will marry. The first date is selected by the boys who are her suitors bringing gifts to the girl's father. The father choose the date based on the quality of the gifts he receives and the suitor who brings the gift that pleases him the most gets the date with his daughter. Marcello doesn't like this custom but must play by the rules to try to win Elena who is instantly smitten with upon seeing her for the first time. Marcello, as a poor boy has two problems; his social status and how to get a gift that will please Elena's father. He comes up with a cheap and simple plan but the plan and the obtaining the gift soon becomes more and more elaborate due to circumstances beyond his control. From director Denis Rabaglia this is a fable-like masterpiece that's whimsical, fast paced, and full of delightful surprises and charming characters and smart comedy. Not only a stellar cast but excellent cinematography from Filip Zumbrunn, editing from Claudio Di Mauro and wonderful job by the production design,set decoration and costume teams. Basd on the novel by Mark David Haywood who also wrote the screenplay this is a must see that I would highly recommend and give a 10 out of 10.

If you liked Mediteranneo and Cinema Paradiso, you'll love Marcello Marcello. A sweet little romance set in the 1950s in Amatrello, a small Italian village, it's not too sugary, just wryly amusing,cleverly plotted and just plain lovely. Lots of little side stories and wonderfully drawn characters you really care about. I've seen it three or four times now and always spot a little something extra that adds to the beauty of the film. What of those who don't like romantic films? Exquisite scenery, non stop sunshine, what's not to like? Quirky and delightful, it's like a Summer holiday on a plate! In Italian with English subtitles. A film to watch when the weather's bleak and you feel in need of a thoroughly relaxing film with no nastiness.

'Marcello Marcello' is an absolutely delightful slice of Italian cinema that goes down nice,like a fine wine (with a hint of sparkle). Denis Rabaglia directs from a screenplay co written with Mark David Hatwood (based on his novel),dealing with a sea coastal village in Italy in the mid 1950's. Marcello Romei (played nicely by Francesco Mistichelli)is a young man,who wants nothing more than to be able to date the beautiful young Elena Del Ponte (played by Elena Cucci). There's a problem. In this village,there is an ancient tradition where any young man who wants to be with the girl of his dreams,has to make a present to her father. If the father is impressed,then the young man gets to date her. Problem is,all of the young men also want Elena. Marcello goes through hell & high water to procure the proper gift for Elena's father (the mayor of the village,in question),making deals with what seems to be everybody. Does Marcello manage to get a date with Elena? This is a beautifully photographed film (by Filip Zumbrunn,who opts for a look that resembles early Italian Technocolor films from the late 1950's/early to mid 1960's)that is a real treat for the eye. The rest of the cast turn in winning performances that make this for a charming evening at the cinema. Not rated by the MPAA, but contains a few rude words,but little more to offend the eye & ear.